Blog
This blog is your behind-the-scenes look into the minds of the Saints of Sorrow. In this blog you’ll find reviews of independently published dark romance books, articles on controversial or taboo bookish topics, and reading lists curated by dark romance readers for dark romance readers.
Whether you're a writer, reader, or lover of all things dark romance, here you'll find inspiration, resources, and community!
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If you’re looking for articles on Parasocial Behavior In The Book Community, Kink and Fetish’s Role In Dark Romance, or The Positives of Reading Smut, AND SO MUCH MORE. Look no further! Find all LA articles right here.
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Have you ever wondered what new independently published books you should pick up? Never fear! Library of Angels focuses on reviewing books by indie authors in the dark romance field. We do the research so you don’t have to! Find your newest read here.
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Have you had a friend ever ask you for a beginner friendly dark romance list and have you been stuck? Never fear, find lists for 5 Dark Romance Books for Beginners, 9 Dark Little Mermaid Retellings, and new releases each month right here!
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Ever wanted to know what the Library of Angels founder is working on? Check out her what this week series to stay up-to-date. She will occasionally drop hints for new LA Services, Merch, and site updates.
The Girls and The Gays: Female Presence in Queer Media
With the Heated Rivalry phenomenon taking over all forms of social media, the question of what defines the true representation of the queer demographic arises. The history of homosexuality in society and media has always been viewed as taboo, abnormal and villainous behavior, but now in the modern era of media, the continued misconceptions has put the queer community under the scrutiny and a constant battle of conforming to mainstream identity politics. It needs to be acknowledged that the queer community deserves recognition and a well deserved seat at the table of media popularity because it brings representation diverse experiences, not to be mere figures of psycho-sexual and emotional release through misinterpreted narratives.
Review: Mean One by Ab. Cynthe
Reviewed by Laya, Mean One is a dark, horror retelling of The Grinch.
Tropes include: Christmas Erotic Horror, Novella, Grumpy x Sunshine, Multiple POVs, Age Gap, Non-HEA
Take a Step Outside the Box
Not every reader’s journey and preferences are the same. Exploration of different genres and authors can be refreshing, especially when you tend to gravitate to the same genre and tropes out of comfort. No matter your aesthetic or image, your space belongs to you and you can make it whatever you want it to be. There’s so many amazing stories in the world to experience, all you have to do is take a step outside the box.
Review: The Purge by XG Guillen
Reviewed by Paula, The Purge: Wicked Truths is a dark, reimagining of the movie, The Purge.
Tropes include: Enemies to lovers, Forbidden Love, Morally Gray Hero, “Love as Rebellion”, System vs Soul, Dystopian Night of Chaos, Fight the System, Fiery FMC, Latine Rep, Chicago Setting, Puerto Rican FMC, Mexican MMC
Sisters of Darkness: Women in Dark Fiction
Dive into the evolution of the femme figure in dark fiction. From Lilith’s ancient mythos to the modern femme villain redefining power in gothic fiction, horror, and dark romance. This article explores how feminine rage, autonomy, and agency have been distorted, reclaimed, and radicalized across literary history. Discover how dark fiction subverts patriarchal archetypes, uplifts marginalized identities, and celebrates the complex, morally grey women who challenge society’s expectations.
Balancing Rep Spots: A Real Routine in the Bookish World
Rep spots, ARC teams, and street teams all come with deadlines and expectations—so how do readers juggle it all? After nearly four years in the bookish community, Jay is sharing the real way she manages rep commitments through scheduling, planning, and consistency. No hacks, no fluff—just the honest process behind keeping up with the bookish world.
Review: Unveil by Greer Rivers
Reviewed by Paula, Unveil is a dark ballet retelling.
Tropes include: Arranged marriage, Masked stalker, Primal play, Touch her and die, Hidden identity, Stolen bride, and Villain gets the girl
Review: Pounded in the Patch by Dana LeeAnn
Reviewed by Laya, Pounded in The Patch is a Halloween themed erotic horror.
The Ban of ‘Mommy Porn’
Celebrate Banned Book Week by exploring the controversy behind the so-called “mommy porn” series, Fifty Shades of Grey. This article examines why the trilogy faced widespread bans, the debates over censorship and adult sexuality, and how public libraries navigated challenges to keep the books accessible for adult readers.
Review: Scream Little Sister by Willow McQuerry
Reviewed by Nina, Scream Little Sister is a dark taboo romance.
Tropes include: taboo (step-brother), biker boy x cam girl, and a mask kink
A Banned Book Is A Book Worth Reading
Happy Banned Books Week! Need a good place to start your banned books week and don’t know where to start? Read along as Jay shares her perspectives on literacy in the US and its relation to a decline in accessible reading materials! Also, find a list of banned dark romance books that you should absolutely add to your TBR!
Why One Bad Event Doesn’t Ruin Your Love for Conventions
Thinking about which book conventions are worth your time? Jay is sharing her real experiences from this year. Both the hits and the misses. As a PA, influencer, and book lover, from events that didn’t make it to day-of to ones that created unforgettable memories, she’ll help you navigate the convention scene and remind you to find the ones that are truly worth it.
Review: Play Dirty by Luna K. Wicked
Reviewed by Paula, Play Dirty is a dark sports romance.
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, best friends bf, and forbidden romance
Review: Distorted Obsession by P.H. Nix
Reviewed by Paula, Distorted Obsession is a dark enemies to lovers romance.
Tropes include: enemies to lovers, mental health rep, and obsession/ possessiveness
Book Burnout and Reset: How Dark Romance & Fall Reads Help Reset the Soul
Burnout doesn’t just happen in our work lives—it can creep into our passions, our creativity, and even our reading. At Library of Angels, we know the book community can feel overwhelming, especially when algorithms, endless TBRs, and pressure to keep up start to dim the joy. But just like the cycles of fall, burnout can be a reminder to pause, reset, and rediscover what made you fall in love with stories in the first place. Sometimes, that reset comes in the form of a comfort re-read, a dark romance escape, or simply letting yourself breathe again.
Review: Clandestine by Ava Jay
Reviewed by Aubrey, Clandestine is a why choose rockstar romance that’s explored for its plot, characters, and emotional depth. There is also MFFM and step brother shenanigans!
Tropes include: no third act break-up
Review: For Cowgirls & Kings by Landyn hill
Reviewed by Paula, For Cowgirls and Kings is a dark millionaire cowboy romance.
Tropes include: friends to lovers, trauma/healing, forced Proximity
Review: Summertime Madness By Luna K. Wicked
Reviewed by Nina, Summertime Madness is an erotic horror story.
Tropes include: taboo, why choose, and blackmail.
The K-Pop Demon Hunters Effect
Why are dark romance readers obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters? This heartfelt post explores the movie’s unexpected emotional depth, its ties to generational trauma, and why fans of morally grey demons, healing arcs, and bookish community vibes can’t get enough.